Comments on: 21 ideas for your 1940s ranch, bungalow or cape – 40s kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and more

By: MissMessy

MissMessy — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:24:28 +0000

Where to begin.. I’m on the verge of purchasing a sprawling 1940 california ranch, quite neat she is and I’d love to restore her to a more period-appropriate state, but almost the ENTIRE interior is decked out in 6 inch wide, gold varnished, deep textured wood paneling; it darkens the whole place.. umm.. I’ve been considering stripping & whitewashing the panels in alternating, slightly contrasting light colors, though the wallpaper background on this very page has even given me pause for thought, I could easily hand detail the looping cartoony woodgrain and swirl it around those fabulous 50’s star motifs as knots.. I’m a tattooer and am very open to creative ideas, the more hands-on the better.. What do you readers suggest? I’d hate to see the paneling go.. I’m tacky, I know..

By: jane

jane — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:25:23 +0000

I use regular dishwasher soap to whiten my vintage castiron sink and drain board. I discovered this by accident. dont leave it on too long as I am not sure what would happen. I NEVER wash vintage dishware or glass in a dishwasher because they were not made to withstand the caustic nature of the detergent. over time a film will appear which is really the glaze breaking down. I gladly rinse out by hand my vintage everyday stuff

I have a set of contemporary (newish)fiestaware which is dishwasher and microwave safe, and comes in great retro colors for everyday use.

By: vintage_gal Colleen

vintage_gal Colleen — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:53:19 +0000

Mick, I found (online) the museum you mentioned. Great photos.
http://www.jocomuseum.org/electrichouse.htm

Love, Love, LOVE the kitchen. I want one!

By: Pam Kueber

Pam Kueber — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:31:40 +0000

Hi Mick. I don’t know from an “academic standpoint” for sure, but from my scanning of vintage periodicals, I’d say that steel cabinets were for sure white… But wood cabinets had typical wood finishes. Here’s a highly reader-commented post on whether to paint wood cabinets: http://retrorenovation.com/2008/11/05/nancys-festive-retro-renovation-kitchen/

I’ve never heard of burlap being used as wall covering. That’s not to say it wasn’t. And yes, there were electric stoves, you can see some at this site: http://antiqueappliances.com.

For wall colors, try the Suburban Modern palette: http://retrorenovation.com/paint-colors/

By: Mick

Mick — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:10:03 +0000

Hey pam! I have 2 questions 1940’s white kitchen cabinets were the norm right? And #2 What are your views on “Burlap” as a wall covering? There is a Mesuem in Kansas I visted of an “all electric 1950’s house” and the entry way was done in tan burlap on the walls. Iv almost talked myself into painting the panelling. For now insted of tackeling the Living room and bedroom, I think im gonna start from the kitchen and go from there. Iv already tracked down a Vintage fridge to put in, and im looking for an electric stove 40’s 50’s if such a thing exsists!
For the Kitchen, the counter tops are the vintage brown, (just like my other house) I think im gonna paint the cabinets white, and For the walls in the kitchen a pretty Blue. NOT POWDER BLUE!!! but somthing bolder? Maybe somewhere between Aqua and sky?!

haha I hate starting over!!!

-Mick-

By: Pam Kueber

Pam Kueber — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:45:06 +0000

Hey Rikki – you can also split the difference and incorporate the Elkay Lustertone sink/tops into the design: http://retrorenovation.com/2007/12/01/stainless-steel-sink-counter-drainboard-combos-are-classic-40s-50s-60s-retro-kitchen-choices/

By: Rikki

Rikki — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:18:07 +0000

CHG & Others –
If you want stainless steel for your counters or sinks you can easily do that as a stainless steel product called Monel was in use and shown in a variety of ads including a lot of the pre-WWII ads for Armstrong like this one.

I am torn between a stainless steel sink and a granite composite, but leaning toward the steel. My house is 1948 vintage and mangled so I’m mostly concerned about sustainability.

By: Carleton Heights Girl

Carleton Heights Girl — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:36:22 +0000

Thanks, Pam! I’m going to go for it, then.

By: Pam Kueber

Pam Kueber — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:25:50 +0000

Carleton Heights Girl, I think that stainless steel sink and drainboard combos are just fine. This ad is from 1953: http://retrorenovation.com/2007/12/01/stainless-steel-sink-counter-drainboard-combos-are-classic-40s-50s-60s-retro-kitchen-choices/

By: Carleton Heights Girl

Carleton Heights Girl — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:16:17 +0000

Thank you Pam and Rikki! Like retropink57, I absolutely LOVE the black, white, grey and maroon colour palette shown in Rikki’s link. I’m going to try to go for that look for the kitchen restoration later this summer. Lots of inspiration here!

Growing up in this house, I do remember the kitchen looking very similar to the one in the Pyrex ad (minus the dark green floor), but I’m not too fond of the chartreuse walls.

I’m still not certain if an Elkay stainless steel sink/countertop/drainboard would fit in with this look. Although I love the look of cast iron enamel sinks, I really like the sheer practicality of the stainless steel Elkay unit. Is stainless steel appropriate to the immediate postwar period? What do you think?